NERC37 Closing Remarks

Chairperson of the Regional Conference,

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

First, let me congratulate you all on this successful Regional Ministerial Conference, on the practical and forward-looking Ministerial Declaration, and the excellent hosting by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

I am pleased that we were able to meet in-person, building on the previous hybrid session held in Baghdad in 2022.

Over the past two days we have had very important discussions, for the region and beyond.

We discussed the strategic direction and pathways to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems, in line with the theme of this conference.

And I am satisfied that we worked together, thought together, and learned together – this is the true spirit of efficient, effective, and coherent collaboration!

The discussions on issues of common interest, on our shared vision and collective knowledge resulted in important guidance for FAO’s work in the short, medium, and longer term.

I am particularly happy to note the discussions during the Regional Foresight Session, where we focused upon the drivers, challenges, and pathways for the future of our agrifood systems – there are many challenges and opportunities for all of us as we go forward.

The discussions during the roundtables on thematic areas such as the rural livelihood, healthy diets, and greening agriculture, were fruitful in highlighting the important areas of consideration both by you the Members and for FAO.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The four regional priorities and the strategic initiatives being implemented by FAO are in line with the prerogatives you had set out, in support of the agreed objectives and to build and strengthen the required capacities.

I am also happy to note your appreciation and support for the analytical tools, such as the country and regional food security and nutrition observatories. We will continue to support you with better and tailored tools.

Thank you for the appreciation you have expressed and for your endorsement of the results we achieved during the past biennium, and for the priorities that have been set for the next one – we continue to be committed to support the region achieve its full potential.

In particular, your endorsement, ownership, and support for the strengthening of the FAO decentralized office network is appreciated.

Following the successful restructuring of headquarters and the regional and subregional offices, my focus is now on the Country Offices because through this strengthened and innovative model we will be able to serve you even better.

Before concluding, I wish to convey my deepest sympathies for the ongoing suffering in Gaza, Sudan and Yemen, and other hotspots in the region, due to the impacts of war and conflicts, and other global crises.

Let me assure you of FAO’s continued support to these communities, in line with our mandate and resources framework. I continue to stress that peace is a prerequisite for food security.

In conclusion, I wish to thank the government and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan once again for the warm hospitality, with special gratitude and respect to His Majesty the King, and His Excellency the Prime Minister, and to the Chairperson of this Regional Ministerial Conference, His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture of Jordan, with whom I look forward to working closely over the next biennium.

Thank you to all of you for your participation and commitment.